My strawberry patch is almost ready to harvest. I have a very simple but elegant dish that is easy to prepare. With a little advance planning you'll have a dessert to impress even the "foodie" in the group.

In a small pan add 2 cups of cream along with 1 tsp. dried lavender buds. Heat the cream to just before boiling (don't boil). Turn off heat and let lavender seep until cream is room temperature. Strain out lavender buds, and chill. This can be make 2 or 3 days in advance. When time to serve whip with power sugar to taste and a bit of vanilla.

1/3 cup + 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. finely grated lemon peel

1/2 cup water

2 TBS. lavender honey

2 tsp. dried lavender buds

3 1lb containers strawberries.

In a small bowl mix lemon peel and sugar (can be made ahead). Bring 1/2 cup water,1/2 cup sugar , honey and lavender buds to a boil. Making sure sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat and let cool to room temp. Strain out lavender buds. This also can be made in advance.

When time to serve; wash and hull strawberries, place in a large bowl. Whip cream, and re-heat syrup. Pour warmed syrup over berries. toss to coat. Divide berries among 8 pretty dishes. Top with cream and a sprinkle of lemon sugar